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From Fordnews.com
The Story of the Ford GT Name
True racing historians and enthusiasts know the legend behind the name of the Ford GT, which later became nicknamed GT40 in reference to the cars overall height. The original race program was conceived by Henry Ford II after his attempt to purchase Ferrari fell through. Ford turned his attention to building his own program. The programs roots can be traced back to England where, in 1963 Fords team, under the direction of Roy Lunn, began work on an all-new Ford racecar, loosely based on the Eric Broadleys Lola GT. In April of 1964, the car, proudly bearing the name Ford GT was presented to the press for the first time.
It was at Le Mans in June of 1964 that people began referring to the sleek racer as GT40. In its first year, all the Ford GTs retired from the race. Ford hired Carroll Shelby in 1964 to oversee the program. His first move was to install a 427 cubic inch engine in the car, which became known as the Ford GT40 Mark II. In February 1965, Ken Miles and Lloyd Ruby drove the Mark II to its first win at the Daytona 2000-km race breaking almost every established track record. The cars went on to their famous 1-2-3 victory at Le Mans in 1966 and dominated the endurance racing world for four straight years.
Throughout the years and despite the GT40 nickname and various versions including Mark II, III, IV and the less known and aesthetically best-forgotten "Mirage" models, at the insistence of Henry Ford II, the cars continued to the nomenclature "Ford GT" or just "Ford" on their body-sides and steering wheel hub.
The legendary Ford GT racing program culminated in June of 1969 with its last victory at Le Mans. Some cars continued to compete after 1969, but the Ford factory program came to a close. Various attempts to keep the flame burning in the form of newly available cars built from spare parts and replica parts continued through the 1970s to present, including a line of cars known as GT40 Mark Vs built by an aftermarket company, which even picked up on the chassis numbering sequence. No Ford badging appeared on these cars. The side stripes carried the name "GT40" or a "GT40 MkV" badge on the wheels.
At the 2002 North American International Auto Show, Ford rolled out a concept car called the GT40, which also carried on the numbering sequence of the cars. After deciding to build a production version of the car in February, Ford said details, including the final name would be announced later.
Lyons told dealers last week that the new supercar would be called simply the "Ford GT" paying homage to the original while making a clear statement for the Ford brand.
"The legend of the Ford GT is a distinct Ford legend and we want to pay homage to that," said Lyons. "Little kids, and big ones, dream about Ferraris not 360 Modenas. We want people to dream about the Ford GT and put the emphasis on the Ford brand."
[ February 13, 2003, 12:27 PM: Message edited by: Hotcrusader76 ]
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uh, whu do u know. Got any more trivia? Like lets say a,,,,,,,,,,,,68 1/2 Z28? Convertible?
[ February 13, 2003, 01:33 PM: Message edited by: HOSS ]
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Mustangs are SAHHH-WEEET!!! I have had two, a 1987 LX CHP Coupe and the other was a 88 GT hatchback, had GT-40 heads and intake, 65mm throtle body and spacer, SVO oil pump, 11.5:1 compression, ford motor sport X cam, mac off road exhaust, 3.55:1 gears, aluminum driveshaft, every bushing in the car was replaced with polyeurothane, bbk tubular rear supspension, bbk springs, bbk strut tower brace, 4 point g load brace, 16 in pony rims, black on greay and black interior with limo tint all around..... ahhhhhh, I miss that car. frown
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My sweet Jewels owns one also aka"MsHotcrusader76"
It's a 97 GT 4.6 Flowmaster exhaust, custom exit with tips. Welded sub-frames, Steeda Springs, Poly-hard-rubber all the way around, MSD ignition, Chrome MAC intake, Billet components throughout the car, and an attitude to boot!
She rides on Polished Cobra'R' Wheels 17X9 up-front with 3" backspacing and 255/40s and 17X10.5 Rears 5.5" backspacing with 315/35s and she TUCKS them all! You talk about hugging the road...
Check her out...sorry for such large images
http://www.tpcracing.com/images_temp/DSC00015.jpg
http://www.tpcracing.com/images_temp/DSC00035.jpg
http://www.tpcracing.com/images_temp/DSC00037.jpg
http://www.tpcracing.com/images_temp/DSC00038.jpg
